Top Things to do in Nelson-Tasman Region
Things to do in Nelson-Tasman Region, South Island: The Best Outdoor Activities
Discover the best top things to do in Nelson-Tasman Region, New Zealand including Abel Tasman Coast Track, Heaphy Track, Wharariki Beach Walking Track, Tableland Circuit, Wainui Falls Track, Rawhiti Cave Track, Angelus Hut tracks, Mount Robert Circuit, Flora Hut & Mount Arthur Hut tracks, Tata Beach.
Restaurants in Nelson-Tasman Region
1. Abel Tasman Coast Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 915 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip. See website for the price of accommodation on this track.
Reviewed By DelaineJ4
An Awesome Experience of the one of the best experiences to have in New Zealand. We trekked into the park for the 5 days, well worth the total trek to go to the end of the walk from the Nelson end start point. The huts are basic but its all in who travels the same days as you, to make it more fun.. You need to bring everything.. We used a spray bottle filled with filtered water to wash our private parts with or else had cold showers.. Saving the environment by not using toilet paper.. the wildlife was fun/funny.. watch out for the wekas who will steal anything if they can.. other beautiful birds to see too.. The coast is stunningly beautiful, and the water taxi ride out of the park is a total contrast of a blast.. I'd thoroughly recommend booking well in advance, 5 months.. to have this awesome experience of real New Zealand. Its a medium level fitness exercise too. The paths are well maintained and the beaches the same.
2. Heaphy Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 93 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip. See website for the price of accommodation on this track.
Reviewed By fionam507 - Wellington, New Zealand
When my friend asked me if I wanted to walk the Heaphy track, all I could think of was saying no. No showers? Carrying everything on your back for 4 days? Sleeping in huts? No proper meals? But I said yes. And I’m so grateful that I did. It was one of the best experiences. The Heaphy Great Walk is 82km of the most pristine, ever changing beautiful NZ landscape. The first walk to Perry Saddle is a very gradual incline, sometimes difficult but doable. I’d recommend going on some 20k walks with some elevation beforehand to get used to the walking. The other three days are mainly flat. 4 days, 3 nights, staying in wonderful huts: Perry Saddle, James McKay and Heaphy, the latter two had flush toilets. All were well maintained, with gas and some pots and pans. We had 2 river swims, one in the “mountain spa” near Perry Saddle Hut and one in the river near the Heaphy Hut, which made a difference to a wet wipe shower! DOC have good lists of what to bring, which my group all followed. We enjoyed sunshine, hail and some tropical downpours, as long as you have your wet weather gear you’ll be fine! It is truly magical.
3. Wharariki Beach Walking Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 224 reviews
Reviewed By spidernz - Gisborne, New Zealand
We got four seasons in 20 minutes, and sand-blasted to the max to go with it, and didn't regret a second of it - even if the weather at the beach was horrible. Looking at he photos a week later, all we could remember was the stunning views. An easy over-farm land walk and a bit of soft sand at the end, this is accessible to most, and the views of the arches in the rocks is one of NZ's best kept secrets (although there were about 20 cars in the carpark, so maybe the secret is getting out.) About 25 minutes scenic drive from Collingwood along the bay-side road, this place is definitely recommended, just expect it to be very windy!
4. Tableland Circuit
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip. See website for the price of accommodation on this track.
5. Wainui Falls Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 178 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By ChristchurchStewarts - Christchurch, New Zealand
A lovely walk in , with a lot of shade on a sunny day, through predominantly native bush to a beautiful waterful. Great for a family pursuit as not difficult.
6. Rawhiti Cave Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 99 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By Dennis695 - Brisbane, Australia
we met some people on a previous walk and they told us about the cave so we had to do it .It started off easy enough then got very steep fortunately we met several people who were on their way down and all said it was well worth the effort which helped drive us on and we were so pleased we did it was sensational and the temperature drop in the cave was amazing
7. Angelus Hut tracks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip. See website for the price of accommodation on this track.
Reviewed By foodieviews - Rockhampton, Australia
A group of 5 of us did a tramp into lake Angelus hut over 2 nights 3 days. Day 1; We drove from chch and began walking the speargrass route in the afternoon. It was wet but a lot of this track was covered in the bush. We stayed at the speargrass hut which was very full (but dry nonetheless) and we all managed to squish in. Day 2; Took speargrass creek route to lake Angelus. It was a challenging walk with river crossings, exposed areas, some steep inclines towards the end and alpine rocky areas to manoeuvre. Follow the orange marker poles. It was better weather so we were able to stop and sit for breaks and to take in the beautiful views. Arriving at the top where the track joins with Robert ridge was sensational, looking back over where we had come that morning and looking down over the other side to Lake Angelus and the hut for the night. Very rewarding. A short climb down takes you to the hut (photo included) we arrived at the hut by mid day and had the rest of the day to relax and explore. Day 3; Robert ridge track back to the mount Robert carpark. A short climb from the hut back up to the track starts the day. Roberts ridge is a beautiful walk, very alpine along a rocky cliff face with views of the surrounding area (if you are as lucky as us to get a clear day). Track slowly zig zags back down to the car park. Drove back to chch. Every single one of us loved this walk, the views, the terrain, the huts all amazing. Highly recommend! And don't forget to have a dip in the lake ????????????
8. Mount Robert Circuit
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip. See website for the price of accommodation on this track.
Reviewed By waiake1 - Auckland, New Zealand
This hike is a bit more strenuous than it looks at first. The trickiest part was the ending as there had been a few avalanches and the trails were washed away and had been rebuilt. The temperature changes greatly from the start to the top and you should bring slayed clothing to take off and put on. The views are fantastic and I would recommend this to anyone who has hiked a bit. Hiking boots are recommended.
9. Flora Hut & Mount Arthur Hut tracks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip. See website for the price of accommodation on this track.
Reviewed By bryanb169 - Auckland Central, New Zealand
This is a walk into subalpine country and should not be taken too lightly. Take warm clothes and food and turn back if conditions change. You can do a one way trip up to Mt Arthur Hut but we did a circular trip. From the Flora car park, walk to the Flora Hut then climb left up towards the Mt Arthur Hut. When you get to the Mt Arthur Hut turnoff continue on towards Mt Arthur. Depending on the time and your fitness you can walk up the ridge as far as you like to see some amazing views towards Nelson Lakes National Park and into the Kahurangi National Park. You can also see Motueka and Nelson. Turn around when you want to and head down to the Mt Arthur Hut. From there it is a relatively easy walk back to the car park. Allow 3-4 hours so you don't need to rush. If you are going to the summit allow a lot more time and be prepared. All is best done on a clear fine day for the views.
10. Tata Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By C5804LOterrim - South Africa, null
Went to the beach a couple of weeks ago on a good day. It was absolutely stunning. Went again today after major storms. There was a lot of drift wood and debris on the beach which spoilt it and the water wasn't as blue. Went for a kayak trip and was amazing. Hard work but fun. Do recommend it. Would be even nicer when hot and swimable. The water was pretty cold.
